Philadelphia Eagles LB Marcus Smith hasn't done enough to prove to coaches he can be the top substitute at outside linebacker in 2015. Head coach Chip Kelly complimented Smith's play three days into training camp, but he also noted LB Brad Jones as a potential alternative.

Philadelphia Eagles LB Marcus Smith has gained 15 pounds and put on lots of muscle since last season, according to LB Connor Barwin. "He's one of the stronger guys on our defense now," Barwin said. "He took the offseason and did what he needed to do, which was get bigger, stronger. Now we're just excited to see what happens when we put the pads on."

Philadelphia Eagles LB Marcus Smith was one of only three players that were active in Week 11 that did not play against the Green Bay Packers, and head coach Chip Kelly said he wants to see more consistency out of the rookie. Smith has made only five appearances all season after being selected 26th overall in this year's draft.

Philadelphia Eagles LB Marcus Smith has shuffled between inside and outside linebacker, and his future with the team remains unclear as he has made several mistakes and not been sharp when he has played. Smith has only played 44 snaps and seen defensive duty 10 percent of the time.

Although Philadelphia Eagles LB Marcus Smith wants to see more action on the field, the team will not rush the top draft pick along. "We don't look at a guy and say, 'Hey, he's this, we have to force him in,'" Eagles coach Chip Kelly said. "I think you'd lose the rest of the guys on your team if you say, 'Why are you playing this guy?'"

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis believes LB Marcus Smith can make an early impact because he is already familiar with the team's defense. "Marcus has shown to do it in college," Davis told Phillymag.com. "That's one of the biggest things that attracted us to Marcus. The defense he ran at Louisville is very, very similar. … Charlie Strong ran very similar to what we asked him to do here. So that was why it made such a nice fit for us."

Philadelphia Eagles LB Marcus Smith is expected to push LB Trent Cole for the starting right outside linebacker job during training camp. Smith has been working as the backup at left outside linebacker during organized team activities.

Philadelphia Eagles LB Marcus Smith likely will not win one of the starting outside linebacker jobs during training camp but could have an impact on the team's subpackages if his pass coverage is solid.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said they targeted six players, which were all drafted by the time the team came up to draft at No. 22. This triggered the move to trade down to No. 26. They took Louisville OLB Marcus Smith, which Kelly said he didn't think would be available when they picked again at No. 54. However, NFL Network's Mike Mayock had Smith ranked 53rd overall.